The city of Phoenix and its police department have unveiled a new website following a critical report from the U.S. Justice Department highlighting issues of excessive force and racial discrimination. The website contains incident records, body camera footage, and evidence related to cases mentioned in the report. Officials disclosed that around 179,000 documents and 22,000 body camera videos were shared with federal investigators during the probe.

Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan emphasized the significance of making such information available to the community to comprehend the incidents identified in the Justice Department’s report. City Manager Jeff Barton viewed the website as a step towards fostering accountability and transparency, offering the public access to essential information.

Although the DOJ report did not specify incident numbers or dates, Phoenix authorities managed to identify numerous events and post associated materials on the website. Additionally, the platform outlines Phoenix’s “road to reform” and efforts by the police department to decrease the frequency of use of force occurrences.

Sullivan mentioned that the city is evaluating the 37 recommendations presented by the DOJ, aligning them with ongoing initiatives within the police force to improve policies, training, and other operational frameworks. The review involves assessing the current mechanisms in place to measure performance by law enforcement and identifying areas where enhancements can be made.

City officials highlighted the significance of utilizing data-driven insights to inform decisions aimed at enhancing public safety initiatives. Phoenix, being the nation’s fifth-largest city, is not the only municipality subjected to DOJ investigations over law enforcement practices, as similar probes have revealed systemic issues in places like Albuquerque, Baltimore, and more, resulting in extensive consent decrees.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has initiated 11 pattern-or-practice investigations of law enforcement agencies since April 2021, including those in Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Louisville. Additionally, consent decrees are being enforced with a dozen law enforcement entities to address concerns of misconduct and civil rights violations.